Thank you to shydeep94, 'Guest', ZombieSavior, FalconRukichi, Swurve, Frozen862, and 10fireflym for reviewing the previous chapter. I appreciate all your comments. :)

So this is the second last chapter. One more to go, plus a short epilogue. I've had this ending in mind for a while, so it will get written, but I can't promise when it'll get done.

Thanks for reading, folks. :)

"It's going to work, I promise you."

"Well, how can I know that if you won't tell me what you're going to do?"

"Witches talk, Grams, dead or alive. How many times have you told me that? I can't risk Klaus getting wind of this. I wouldn't last a second."

"I understand, sweetheart, but that's not going to be good enough for the others."

Bonnie leaned back against the swing seat and sighed. She gazed out at the lush green lawn and the familiar magnolia trees, inhaling the jasmine in the air, and listening to the crickets singing their evening song. Though she knew she was dreaming, it all felt so real. How many times had she sat on her Grams's back porch watching the sunset?

"I know it's not going to be easy," Bonnie said, "but you need to convince them to trust me one more time."

Taking Bonnie's hand, Grams gazed at her. "I can do that, if you'll just tell me what you're planning."

"I can't."

"Bonnie, I have faith in you, but the witches don't. You have no idea of the mess you created when you brought back Jeremy."

"What do you mean?"

"Witches are supposed to maintain a balance. Resurrecting Jeremy went against the natural order of this world."

"But I didn't have any choice."

Grams gave her a severe look. "I think we both know that's not true."

Bonnie pulled her hand away and stared down at the porch. "I couldn't let him die. I love him."

"I understand why you did what you did, honey, but you punched a hole where there ain't supposed to be any holes. That has consequences."

"What consequences?"

Grams hesitated. "Well, for one thing, the witches don't place a whole lot of trust in your judgment."

The crickets seemed to chirp that much louder, as if adding their voices to the chorus of condemnation. Bonnie dragged a hand through her hair, wondering how it was possible to feel this weary when she was technically asleep. She felt as if she'd been fighting for an eternity, for her life, for her friends. One way or another, she needed this to be over. Bonnie sighed.

"Then you'll just have to do the best you can, Grams. Tell them...tell them that I can't do this without them, but I'm gonna try anyway. Because I'd rather die than have to live under Klaus's thumb." Bonnie twisted on the wooden bench, taking Grams's hands in her own. "Tell them that if my plan works, he'll no longer be a threat to their descendants."

Grams gave her a sceptical look.

"Okay, that's not strictly true," Bonnie said. "As long as he's alive, he's a threat. But he won't have any power over them."

"I'm not sure that's enough to-"

"I know. Just tell them what I said. It's up to them now."

"You've got a lot riding on this super secret plan of yours."

"Because I know it can work. You don't have to believe in my plan. Just believe in me."

"I've always believed in you, but I just don't see how you're gonna make it out of this alive." Grams's eyes were fraught with worry. "Even if the witches are with you, channelling that much power will kill you."

"It's okay. I've got it covered."

"You do?"

"I do. I promise."

Grams cradled Bonnie's face, looking deep into her eyes. "I'm so proud of you. You're a strong woman, Bonnie Bennet."

"Because you taught me to be strong," Bonnie said, smiling even as she blinked back tears.

Smiling back, Grams gripped Bonnie's hands tightly. "Don't you worry about those witches. I'll haul 'em into line if I have to kick every one of their asses to do it."

Bonnie laughed. "If anyone can do it, Grams, you can."

"Damn straight."

They sat in comfortable silence for a while, watching the setting sun fill the sky with orange and gold. Bonnie let herself be lulled by the sweet night air, the warmth of her grandmother's hand, and the rhythmic sound of the crickets.

"Grams?"

"Hmm?"

"Did you ever wish that you weren't a witch? That you'd never even heard about vampires and werewolves?"

Grams's face softened. "Sweetheart, it won't always be like this."

"Even you can't see the future, Grams." Bonnie frowned. "Can you?"

"No. But I know you. I've watched you practice magic. You would never be satisfied with an ordinary life."

"Well, maybe not, but it would've been nice to have a choice."

Grams smoothed Bonnie's hair back. "You remember how you felt when Jonas Martin took away your power?"

"Yeah."

"And are you sorry that he gave it back?"

"No," Bonnie said grudgingly.

"Magic is not without its burdens, I know, but it also connects you to the world in a way no ordinary person could ever experience."

"I know that."

"But you haven't felt it, not yet. I promise, when you truly open yourself up to that connection, you'll understand what a gift you've been given."

"Okay, Grams," she said, only just managing not to roll her eyes. The last thing she needed right now was a lecture on her witchy responsibilities.

Grams patted her hand. "I know, I know, I'm talking too much."

"No, Grams, I'm sorry. I know this is important stuff. It's just that I can't really see anything beyond Klaus right now."

"I understand. Just don't lose sight of the bigger picture. Klaus never does."

Bonnie nodded. She looked out over the garden and sighed. The sun had all but disappeared below the horizon and stars were twinkling in the night sky.

"And that's my cue to leave," she said.

She rose from the bench and turned to hug her grandmother.

"No matter what," Grams said as she stroked Bonnie's hair. "You won't be alone."

"I know," Bonnie said as she pulled away. She smiled. "Thank you, Grams, for everything. I just need one more thing from you. I need you to get a message to Caroline..."

Caroline moved along the rack, absently flipping through a collection of flowery summer dresses. She frowned when nothing caught her interest. Her afternoon of retail therapy wasn't having quite the effect that she'd hoped. It didn't help that she was alone, since they'd all agreed that Elena couldn't risk being spotted on the street.

"Are you looking for something in particular?"

Caroline started. A perky sales assistant with dark-rimmed glasses had somehow managed to sneak up on her. She really was off her game.

"No, thank you."

Perkiness slightly dimmed, the assistant wandered off towards another prospective customer. Caroline sighed and left the boutique, stepping out into bright sunshine. Shopping was really only fun with her friends, or at the very least, a boy to flatter and adore her. Neither of those seemed likely any time soon.

She strolled along the busy sidewalk, feeling strangely restless. All they could do right now was wait for Bonnie or Elijah to get in touch. And the longer the wait, the more anxious she got. She'd hoped that doing something normal would calm her nerves, but it wasn't helping at all.

In no hurry to return to the motel, she stopped at a coffee shop for an iced latte with extra whipped cream and sat sipping it at one of the outdoor tables. As she watched the people walking by, her thoughts drifted to home, and to the people waiting there for her. Her mom, Matt, Tyler...

She was still mad at him, no doubt about it, but Bonnie's warning had her on edge. For all they knew, Klaus could have people in Mystic Falls right now, just waiting to pounce on Tyler. And though her mom had assured her that the town was all quiet, she couldn't help but worry.

Caroline pulled her phone out of her skirt pocket and stared at the screen. She badly wanted to call Tyler, but after their last conversation, she wasn't sure either of them was ready for that.

As her thumb hovered over the screen, the phone buzzed. She started and would've dropped it if not for her vampire reflexes. She made a face when she saw who was calling her. For the seventeenth time. She made a move to switch off the phone, but thought better of it. Clearly, he wasn't going to stop until she picked up. She answered the call as she rose and left the coffee shop.

"Can't you take a hint?" she snapped.

"Well, hello to you too, blondie," came Sandy's gruff reply.

She rolled her eyes as she ducked into a quieter side street. "If you're gonna waste time insulting me, then I can just hang up right-"

"Wait. I'm sorry." He heaved a sigh. "I'm feeling a mite frustrated right now."

"Join the club."

Silence stretched across the line.

Finally, Sandy said, "Look, I spoke to Tyler. He's pretty upset."

"I don't know why. It's not like someone tried to murder his best friend."

A young woman passing by shot her a strange look. Realising that she was expressing her frustration a little too loudly, Caroline darted into a vacant alley where she could talk without being overheard.

"So I guess I'm off the Christmas Card list," Sandy said dryly.

"Oh, this is funny to you. My best friend nearly dying is just so hilarious."

"No. No, it's not." Sandy cleared his throat. "Look, it wasn't personal."

"It was to me."

"Hey, you think I get my kicks from slaughtering teenage girls? I didn't want to kill your friend, but if she's working with Klaus, then she's fair game."

"She doesn't have a choice!"

"Neither do I. If there's one thing I've learnt from dealing with vampires, it's that you don't hesitate. You don't give them a second chance."

"Okay, is this your idea of an apology? Cause it kinda sucks."

"I didn't call to apologise. I'm asking you to give me another chance."

"To screw up again? No, thank you."

"I know that things went south the last time, but-"

"That's putting it mildly."

"But your friends are still in there. And so are mine."

"If you really want to help them, then you'll let us handle it."

"Handle what? Far as I can tell, you kids are just sitting on your ass waiting for a miracle to fall into your lap."

Caroline nibbled her lip. "Not a miracle exactly."

"Then what?"

"I can't tell you."

"Can't or won't?"

"Can you please just trust me on this? No one's gonna get left behind, I promise. And for what it's worth, my friend Bonnie, who you tried to murder, wants to save your wolves as much as any of us."

Several seconds passed in silence, then Sandy muttered something under his breath that even her vampire hearing couldn't detect.

"All right," he said, "but whatever you're planning, you're gonna need me there."

"I don't think so."

"Yeah? Well, you're a smart girl. What do you think my wolves are more likely to do when you let them out, give you a big ol' kiss or try to rip your head off?"

She grimaced. "Okay, yeah, that's a good point."

"Thank you."

"How soon can you get to L.A.?"

Sandy chuckled. "Already here, sweetheart."

"And when were you gonna tell me that?"

"I just did."

Caroline grit her teeth. "Fine. I'll call you when we've got a plan in place."

"I got your word on that?"

"Yes. And lay low. The last thing we need is Klaus finding out there's another werewolf in town."

"Hmm, you know Tyler's right. You are kinda bossy."

"I'm not bossy, I'm organised."

Another chuckle. "Sure thing, blondie."

Caroline pursed her mouth. "Okay, well, if you're done patronising me-"

"Hold on, I need you to do me a favour."

"I think you're all out of favours, don't you?"

"Call Tyler. Please. At least let him know you're okay. He's worried about you, you know."

Her eyes prickled with sudden tears. She blinked several times and said in a low voice, "Yeah. Okay."

"You'll let me know soon as you have something?"

"Yeah."

Caroline ended the call, and immediately began worrying over how she was going to break the news to Damon that she'd just invited a werewolf to join the rescue party. Oh, he was gonna be pissed...

Preoccupied with thoughts of Damon's impending hissy fit, she didn't even notice that she was no longer alone in the alley.

"Hand over the phone, blondie, and you won't get hurt."

She turned and saw two guys barely out of their teens standing between her and the alley opening.

Caroline stared at them. "Are you mugging me?"

The one wielding the switchblade, a white guy wearing a grey beanie, rolled his eyes at his buddy. "Tourists."

She eyed them both as she considered what to do. They were no threat to her, of course, but she had to handle this discreetly. Too much bloodletting and she might as well put up a neon sign telling Klaus they were here.

The Latino guy took a step towards her. "Come on, lady, just give it up. It ain't worth your life."

His not so subtle threat sent her blood surging and it was all she could do not to bare her fangs there and then. She glanced around, noting that people were passing by the alley opening every now and then. Nearby were a couple of dumpsters that would provide more cover.

"Okay," she said brightly. Tucking her phone in her pocket, she backed away towards the dumpsters. "But do you mind if we do this over here?"

"Hey!" The knife-wielding guy brandished his knife. "Don't move."

"Come on," she said with a flirtatious smile. "I promise I'll make it worth your while."

The muggers exchanged disbelieving looks that slowly morphed into big grins. Looking like a couple of kids on Christmas morning, they followed her round to the back of the dumpster. She kept going until she hit the brick wall.

The Latino guy looked even younger as he shoved his hands into the pockets of his baggy pants and peered up at her through his bangs. "So, uh, which of us gets to go first?"

"You do." Smiling, Caroline clapped her hands on his shoulders and stared into his eyes. "Don't move and don't make a sound."

He froze in place, fear blossoming in his eyes. She flashed him a grin before switching her attention to his partner in crime. The guy's eagerness faded to confusion as his gaze shifted from her to his friend.

"Hey, man, what are you-"

Caroline grabbed him by his shirt front and threw him against the dumpster. She heard his pulse skyrocket as he brought his arm up and tried to stab her in the neck. Pinning him to the dumpster, she gripped his wrist and gazed into his eyes.

"Be a good boy and freeze."

He immediately obeyed the compulsion. She released him and studied the pair for a moment. Gripping the Latino boy by the arms, she manoevred him next to his buddy and stood, hand on hip, studying their fixed poses. She fussed over them for a minute, straightening their clothes and rearranging their arms to her satisfaction.

Taking a step back, she waited until their gazes locked onto her, and allowed her true face to come forth. Their eyes bulged in terror. She smiled and drifted closer to them, savouring the scent of their fear.

"You know, I really have to thank you guys," she said. "I had no idea how much I needed this."

Caroline grabbed hold of Knife Guy by the shoulders and leaned into his neck. His heartbeat roared in her ears. She breathed in the warmth of his flesh and, unable to hold back any longer, bit into his neck. Hot blood gushed into her mouth and she quickly swallowed several mouthfuls. The temptation to drain every last drop was overwhelming, but she shoved it down and withdrew her fangs. The boy's eyes were glazed over, but he was still conscious.

Licking her lips, she sidled over to the Latino guy. Sweat glistened on his brow. As she pressed her face into the crook of his neck, his terror washed over her. She pierced his flesh and drank down several mouthfuls before removing her fangs.

Bloodlust satiated, she backed away. Their eyes tracked her every move. She coolly wiped the traces of blood from her mouth as she contemplated her would-be muggers.

"Now once I'm gone, you're gonna forget all about me. You," she said, pointing to the knife-wielder, "got a little too frisky with that blade and you had an accident. That's all. Understand?"

The pair nodded, as vigorously as they were able to under her compulsion.

"Also, you two will never try to mug anyone ever again."

More enthusiastic nods.

Caroline rewarded them with a sunny smile. "Well, I guess my work here is done. Wait five more minutes, then you're free to go."

She turned on her heel and, with a jaunty backward wave, sashayed away.

Bonnie trudged down the hallway, her underarms already damp with sweat. This was going to take all her powers of persuasion, and then some.

Up ahead, the door of the room where the werewolves were imprisoned stood open. Not giving herself any time for second thoughts, she marched right into the room, stopped and pivoted to face the pair of vampires on either side of the door.

"Out," she said.

They hesitated, exchanged a glance, then silently went out into the hall. She shut the door behind them and turned back around.

The werewolves regarded her, silent, baleful, and she was sure she saw more than one pair of eyes flash yellow. Only Tom looked more curious than hostile. Their injuries appeared mostly healed, though it didn't seem to have improved their mood any, and a faint but distinctly earthy aroma permeated the air.

Taking a few deep breaths, Bonnie waited until she was sure her voice wouldn't crack. "Hi."

A blonde woman pressed her face close to the bars. "What do you want, witch?"

Bonnie took a few steps towards her. "To talk, that's all."

Derisive laughter swept through the room. Bonnie's gut clenched.

The female wolf grinned at her. "Well, sure, honey. Why don't you step into my office and we can have a little girl talk. One on one."

Bonnie gave her a tight smile. "I'm fine out here, thanks."

In the neighbouring cell, a guy with heavily tattooed arms smacked the bars, his dark eyes brimming with fury.

"We're not interested in anything you've got to say, you hear?" he said.

"Look, I know you have no reason to trust me-"

"You got that right."

"But I really do want to help you."

More laughter.

Her frustration, and magic, bled into her voice, which echoed throughout the cellar. "Listen to me!"

Their laughter died. The wolves looked wary, but at least they were paying attention.

"Maybe you haven't noticed," Bonnie said, "but you guys don't have a whole lot of options right now."

"Listen, sweetcakes," Tattoo Guy said. "You have no idea what we're capable of."

"You're wrong about that. But as strong as you are, you can't stop what's going to happen to you."

"We'll see about that."

Bonnie grunted in frustration. "Don't you understand that I'm trying to help you survive?"

The blonde wolf snorted. "You know, that's the problem with vampires. You confuse surviving with living. You think that just because you can walk and talk and feed on innocents, that that means you're alive."

"I'm not a vampire."

"No, you're not. You're worse." She shot Bonnie a look of disgust. "They're not even human. But what's your excuse? A human working for a vampire? You're a traitor to your own kind."

Stunned, Bonnie fell back a step. She opened her mouth to defend herself, but thought better of it. The presence of the vampires in the hallway meant that she couldn't be as open as she wanted. Even if she could, she doubted it would make a difference. The werewolves had already made up their minds about her.

She took a deep breath. Time for Plan B. She walked along the cells until she reached the one holding a very particular werewolf. The mere sight of him evoked a trembling in her gut and the sensation of hands around her throat. She stared at him. He stared back without a trace of remorse.

Finally she said, "You tried to kill me."

He grinned at her. "You got it all wrong, sweetheart."

"Oh yeah?"

"Yeah. It's 'going to', not 'tried'."

Bonnie smiled. "Well, next time you think about killing me, remember this."

His brow creased. "Remember what?"

She raised her hand and twisted her fingers. The werewolf suddenly clutched his head and began screaming as his friends watched in horror.

The door opened behind her and she heard one of the guards.

"What the hell?"

She didn't bother to look at him. "Get out."

"But Klaus-"

"I said get out!" Bonnie said as she whirled and flung the vampire backwards with her magic. She slammed the door shut and swung back to face the werewolf.

He was lying on the concrete floor, moaning as he held his head. Drool leaked from the corner of his mouth. Bonnie felt her stomach roil, but there was no going back now. And deep down, in a place where she didn't dare look too closely, there was a part of her that felt coldly satisfied that she'd made him suffer. Just as she'd suffered at his hands. She lifted her arm.

Tattoo Guy said, "No, wait!"

Ignoring him, Bonnie attacked the wolf with her magic. He writhed on the ground as blood vessels popped in his head. Finally he let out one last agonised cry and fell unconscious. Coolly, she turned to face the others.

After a moment of stunned silence, the female werewolf snarled, "You crazy bitch!"

Without a word, Bonnie lifted her other hand. This was going to take all her magic reserves, but she had no choice. Focusing her magic, she unleashed her power on the wolves.

Almost as one, they grabbed their heads and began howling in pain. Several slammed against the bars as they staggered around blindly. Their screams echoed through the room, bouncing off the walls and resonating in her ears. But Bonnie didn't let up, even when blood started trickling from her nose. She wiped her sleeve across her face and kept going, until one by one, they dropped unconscious.

Until only one wolf was left standing.

Bonnie walked back along the row until she reached Tom's cell. He was staring at her, wide-eyed. She put a finger to her lips before retrieving a piece of paper from her pocket and handing it to him through the bars. She nodded at the note as she began speaking.

"When your friends wake up, you need to talk some sense into them."

"After what you just pulled, I doubt they'll be in the mood to listen," Tom said as he scanned her note.

Bonnie had kept her message short. It simply read: Trust me. I'm on your side and I'll do everything I can to protect you. When they come for you, play along.

"If they want to survive, then they'll have to get over it," she said.

"You really don't know anything about werewolves, do you?" he said, glancing up at her with just a hint of amusement.

"Maybe not, but a friend of mine is a wolf, and if he were here, I'd be telling him the same thing."

Bonnie held out her hand and Tom slipped the note back to her. She tucked it in her pocket and raised her eyebrows. Tom's gaze moved across his fallen comrades before returning to her. After a moment he nodded. She exhaled in relief and nodded back.

She tugged her ear lobe and pointed towards the door before saying, "The more you fight, the harder it will be for me to help you."

Tom snorted. "You still don't get it. We don't want your help."

"But-"

"Gayle was right - you're worse than the bloodsuckers. You'd rather lie down with the vampires than fight for what's right."

She drew a sharp breath, despite his grimace of apology.

"I'm sorry you feel that way," she said. "But you can't change what's going to happen to you. Think about that when you wake up."

"Wake up?"

She mouthed, "Sorry."

Tom's mouth fell open as he realised what she was about to do. He started to protest, but stopped himself. With a resigned nod, he braced himself by gripping the bars of his cell.

Bonnie summoned her magic and launched her assault. Tom's knuckles turned white as he threw his head back and howled in pain. With only one target, it was easier this time. Too easy. Seconds later, Tom collapsed to the ground. Her stomach twisted as she studied him to make sure he was still breathing.

She lingered in the stillness of the cellar, sickened by the results of her handiwork. The fact that it was necessary made it no less repugnant. She let out a slow, deep breath and moved to the exit.

Bonnie opened the door to leave, but stopped short when she saw Klaus waiting patiently in the hallway. The two guards flanked him, their backs to the wall. Holding his hands behind his back, Klaus scrutinised her face, then craned his neck to eye the unconscious werewolves.

"Having fun, were we?"

She shrugged and pushed past him. "Something I needed to do."

Klaus trailed her as she headed towards the stairs. "Well, I don't mind if my wolves get a little banged up, but do remember that the goal is to keep them alive."

Bonnie gritted her teeth. "I haven't forgotten."

"I'm glad to hear it."

All too aware of Klaus's presence at her heels, she picked up the pace, but he said nothing further as they ascended the staircase and entered the kitchen. She headed back to the library, but stopped in her tracks when she realised that he was still following her.

Pivoting, she snapped, "Something you need?"

He smiled and took her arm to guide her to the library. "I thought this might be a good time for a chat."

"About what?"

They entered the libary. As Klaus shut the door, she took her usual seat behind the desk. She began flicking through one of the many tomes piled on the desktop, hoping that he'd take the hint. Instead he came to stand before her. Conscious of the weight of his gaze, she leaned back and looked up at him.

"Well, what do you want?"

"I'm just curious as to why you'd suddenly be advocating on my behalf."

She rolled her eyes. "It's always about you, isn't it?"

"Well, in my own defence, that is usually the case."

"Not this time."

"Then what was it about?"

Crossing her arms, Bonnie said, "I nearly died the other night. I wanted to make sure that doesn't happen again."

He tilted his head. "By convincing the werewolves that you have their best interests at heart?"

"Yeah."

"I don't think so."

Her heart skipped a beat. "Excuse me?"

Klaus circled the desk. She fought the urge to slide her chair away as he perched on the edge of the table.

"I think you went to the cellar to do exactly what you did," he said, smiling down at her. "Show the wolves how powerful you are."

Bonnie hid her relief with a noncommital shrug. "So what if I did?"

He opened his arms expansively. "I certainly have no objection. In fact, it's something I myself might have done."

"Glad to have your stamp of approval," she said dryly. "But I didn't do it to crush their spirits. I just don't want them coming after me again."

"I understand." Klaus studied her for a long moment. "And I believe I owe you an apology, Bonnie."

"What?" She couldn't have been more surprised if he'd ripped out his own heart and offered it to her.

"The wolf should never have gotten so close to you. I was careless and you very nearly paid the price."

He seemed so sincere, so full of remorse that, without thinking, she said, "It's not your fault."

His mouth twitched, and she realised what she'd said.

"You know what I mean," Bonnie said. "Yeah, this whole situation is your fault." She looked down at her hands. "But you didn't know they were going to target me."

"I should have anticipated it." He reached down to gently stroke her cheek, catching her by surprise. "I'm just glad I got to you in time."

"Me too."

The warmth of his fingers aroused her magical senses...and more. Squashing her desire to lean into his touch, she gripped his wrist and pushed his hand away. He gave in with good grace, granting her a playful smile.

"If that's all..." she said pointedly.

"Not quite. I understand that you asked Stefan about taking a trip into town."

"Uh, yeah." Unprepared, she scrabbled amongst the papers on her desk. Finally she found the scrap she was after and held it out to him. The address of a shop that sold magical supplies had been written on it in small, blocked letters. "I found this in Greta's notes."

Klaus plucked the scrap from her fingers. Looking a little wistful, he ran his thumb over the writing, then glanced at her with a raised eyebrow.

She cleared her throat. "I, uh, need some supplies - herbs, crystals, that kind of thing."

"For?"

Bonnie hesitated. She'd hoped to spend a bit more time rehearsing exactly what she was going to tell Klaus. He'd know if she lied outright, so she'd planned on using half-truths and a judicious sprinkling of vagueness. But putting him off now would only raise his suspicions.

"Okay, well, I guess this is as good a time as any." She pushed back the chair and stood to face him. "I've figured out how to strengthen your bond with a hybrid."

He rose from the desk. "How?"

"It has to be done when you turn them...and I'm gonna have to link with you."

"I see." Klaus stared down at her, his expression unreadable.

Bonnie swallowed. "Is there a problem?"

"You could say that," he said dryly. "Generally speaking, linking with another has brought me nothing but aggravation."

"Okay. Well, I guess I could keep looking for another-"

"That won't be necessary." Watching her closely, he said, "As long as you're sure this will work."

She kept her gaze steady. "I'm not. Magic is never a hundred percent certain, you know that. But right now, I don't have any other ideas."

"Very well. Give Mrs Gerhardt a list of what you need and she'll take care of it."

"No."

"I beg your pardon."

"I need to make sure the ingredients are right."

"Fine." He smiled. "Then I'll take you myself."

"I'd rather go with Stefan."

His eyes narrowed. "Oh? And why's that?"

"Because the last time you took me shopping, it almost ended in bloodshed."

"'Almost' being the operative word."

"No, that would be 'bloodshed'. So if you don't mind, I'd rather not take that risk."

He mulled that over. "All right, Stefan can take you."

"Great."

Relieved, Bonnie moved to retake her seat.

"On one condition," he said, stopping her short. "You tell me what my brother's up to."

Slowly, she faced him. "How would I know?"

"You released him. You must have had a reason for doing so."

Klaus stepped closer, but she didn't budge. Instead she gazed up at him, refusing to be cowed.

He gave her a thin smile. "What was it, Bonnie?"

Clearly, he wasn't going to let this go. She needed an excuse, fast. But as she scrambled to find one, it occurred to her that all she had to do was tell the truth, so long as she left out a few crucial details.

"Okay, fine," she said. "I wanted him to help me kill you."

His lip curled. "And naturally, he agreed."

"Actually, he didn't."

Klaus stilled. Something moved in his eyes, an emotion she couldn't quite identify before he spun and paced away from her.

She watched him carefully as she said, "In fact, he made it clear that he would stop me if I tried to kill you myself."

"I see." He sent her a sharp look. "And you made no attempt to convince him otherwise?"

"Of course I did. He refused." Bonnie squinted at him. "Are you really that surprised? He is your brother."

"If you knew even a fraction of the history between us, you wouldn't need to ask me that." He turned to face her. "So you just let him go?"

"Not like I had a lot of choice. The dagger wouldn't work again and I didn't have enough juice to keep him imprisoned." Bonnie crossed her arms. "Anything else you need to know?" She prayed that he wouldn't think to ask if she and Elijah had made any other deals.

"Yes." With slow, deliberate steps, Klaus closed the gap between them. "Do you still want to kill me?"

She raised an eyebrow. "You really want an answer?"

"I suppose not," he said, with a touch of melancholy that surprised her. But it was gone before she could react, swept away in an instant. He clapped his hands, making her jump. "So when will you be ready?"

Bonnie shrugged. "Once I get my supplies, a day or two."

"And am I to assume you've found a way to keep my hybrids from dying?"

"Maybe. I have an idea about that, but I can't be sure that it'll work." She hesitated. "That's why I think we should start with only one werewolf."

"As you wish." His gaze flicked over her. "Well, it appears you have everything in hand."

"That's why I'm here, isn't it?" she said tartly.

"No need to be offended. I always knew you were capable." Klaus eyed her thoughtfully. "But, to be honest, I was never sure that you'd actually go through with it."

She dropped her gaze. "I want to go home."

"And the wolves?"

"They'll survive. And with any luck, they'll break free of you some day."

"Aren't you the optimist," he said coldly. He tipped her chin up, and she saw his eyes blaze with an almost evangelical fire. "I've waited a long time for this, Bonnie. Don't disappoint me."

Caught in his spell, Bonnie could hardly breathe. She managed a nod and, after a moment that seemed to last a lifetime, Klaus nodded and moved to leave the library.

As soon as the door shut behind him, her knees sagged and she let out an explosive breath. She braced herself against the desk, her heart beating furiously. One thing had become crystal clear - she was only going to get one shot at Klaus. If this plan didn't work, she was as good as dead.

As they travelled down from the hills, Bonnie fretted over what to do about Dave. He'd shown up just as they were about to head out, the car keys dangling from his finger. She didn't want to hurt him, but there was no way she could let him report back to Klaus. And he couldn't just vanish either. Klaus's already epic levels of paranoia would hit the stratosphere.

In the front passenger seat, Stefan turned round to look at her. "You okay?"

"Yeah, of course."

"You seem a little nervous."

"I guess I'm excited to be out of the house."

"I hear that," Dave piped. "Boss man's got the house locked down tight. How'd you even get him to let you out?"

"I'm not really sure," Bonnie said absently. She stared at the back of his head, nibbling her lip. "Hey Dave, I don't suppose you'd consider waiting in the car while we-"

"Sorry, Bonnie, I've got orders. Where you go, I go." He tossed a grin over his shoulder. "Plus I'm the one with the credit card, remember?"

"Yeah, okay."

Stefan gave her a puzzled look, but all she could offer was a shrug in return. She retreated into silence, pondering various scenarios in her head, none of which had a particularly happy ending.

When they reached West Hollywood, Dave drove into a parking garage and found a space on the third level. Bonnie hopped out, scanning the concrete structure for potential witnesses. They seemed to be in the clear so she summoned her magic, preparing to knock Dave unconscious. She didn't know how she was going to explain it to Klaus, but she figured that the gang would help her come up with something.

She waited until Dave had his back to her, but just as she was about to attack, Elijah arrived in a blur and grabbed Dave by the shoulders.

"You will remain still," Elijah said. "And do exactly what I say."

"What the hell are you doing?" Stefan said.

Bonnie held her palm up. "It's okay, Stefan. I've got this." She glared at Elijah. "What the hell are you doing?"

Elijah raised an eyebrow. "I was under the impression that I was helping you. Unless you really are here just to buy herbs and crystals?"

She bit her lip.

Stefan's gaze shifted to her. "Bonnie? What's going on?"

"He's right." She took a deep breath. "We're not here just to buy stuff."

"You planned this?"

"Not this this," she said, gesturing at Elijah. "But, yeah, we are meeting some people at the store."

His eyes were guarded. "What people?"

"Damon, Elena and-"

"No!" Stefan's usual stoicism gave way to outright panic and he started backing away from her. "No, I can't see them...not now."

Worried that he was about to take off, Bonnie stretched out a hand to him. "Stefan, it's okay. They just wanna help you."

He stopped in his tracks. "They know?"

"Damon does. I'm not sure about Elena."

A blend of anger and shame flitted across his face. "You shouldn't have told him."

"I had to," she said firmly.

Stefan looked away, but after a moment he nodded his acceptance. He pointed his chin at Elijah. "That why you undaggered him? Because you've got a plan?"

"Something like that."

Elijah barely moved, but she felt a sudden frisson when he looked at her, his gaze flat and predatory.

"And just what might this plan be?" he said, his tone deceptively casual.

"You'll find out when the others do," she said evenly. "Why are you here anyway?"

He shrugged. "Spying on you, of course. At least, that's what my brother believes."

"So he trusts you now?"

"I wouldn't go that far. Let's just say he's willing to entertain the idea of trusting me."

Stefan snorted. "And what's the real reason you're here?"

With a smile that gave her chills, Elijah said, "I wanted to ensure that you didn't make any...ill-advised decisions."

"Fine, whatever," Bonnie said. "Put Dave in the car and let's go. We're running late as it is."

"No," Elijah said. "Klaus will expect him to be familiar with the store and its staff. We'll have to take him with us."

"You're kidding."

Elijah's expression didn't change.

"Okay, you're not kidding," Bonnie said. She exchanged a bemused look with Stefan, who shrugged.

"He's not wrong," Stefan said.

She couldn't help but laugh. "Sure. Why not? The more the merrier, right?"

The two vampires stared at her.

Shaking her head, she said, "Okay, let's just go." She fell into step with Stefan, leaving Elijah to handle Dave.

"This is gonna be a disaster," Bonnie muttered. "You know that, right?"

Stefan sighed. "Oh yeah."

###